Big guy treestands?

[Jagermeister88]

Hello, Just wondering what tree stands the big guys (280-300 lbs) use? Are ladder stands the safer bet or are climbing just as good? If a stand is rated for 250 lbs how far over that can you go before it becomes unsafe? I do know they can handle a fair bit more.

Thank guys!

[Labman55]

At 6'2" 285lbs, I prefer ladders for Bear baits, but I also use hang ons with screw in pegs. I have tried a few diffrent self climbers, just don't like them.

I currently use the "Big Game Treestand", I have 8 of them.
My concern with most stands is the harness, not what the stand is rated for!
It's easier to get better harness's in Canada now, used to be you got whatever came with the stand, if it even had one included. Now I don't even open up the package that's in the stand box, as I bought one from WSS a few years ago that actually fits me.

[Pep]

I am not as big but have just bought a good used ladder stand. I was wondering about harnesses next. What harness do you use and recommend Labman?

[WOOKIE]

I am not as big but have just bought a good used ladder stand. I was wondering about harnesses next. What harness do you use and recommend Labman?

Any of the vest style harnesses are great. I use a Hunter Safety System Harness, but it is pricey.

[WOOKIE]

I don't worry to much about the stand either. The weight rating on a stand is for liability purposes. The failure point of the the stand is likely 3X to 4X the weight rating applied to the stand. Where a good harness and don't worry about the stand. Just make sure the stand is in good repair.

[Pep]

Hard to put a price on safety in my opinion. I looked them up on their webpage and I see why you like them. Can they be bought somewhere locally in Alberta or online mail order only?

[WOOKIE]

Hard to put a price on safety in my opinion. I looked them up on their webpage and I see why you like them. Can they be bought somewhere locally in Alberta or online mail order only?

Bass Pro has them, I am sure Cabelas and Wholesale Sports will carry them too. They are pretty popular.

[Labman55]

Any of the vest style harnesses are great. I use a Hunter Safety System Harness, but it is pricey.

Excellent choice!!!!
A few $ more, but how much $ would you lose if ya fell 16' or so from a tree?

[hilbilyhunter]

Yes treestand safety is no joke and I am looking for a better harness as well !!

[Jagermeister88]

Than you, In a nut shell this answered my concerns. So get a stand you like and find comfortable & get a good harness.

Now, I was reading on the AO forum a guy had said he was using a climbing stand and the footrest platform slipped and fell to the bottom of the tree, He was 16' in the air. Is the only solution to "fall" out of the seat and hope the seat comes to the bottom of the tree to?

Also, Do most of you use a bungee cord or rope to ensure that scenario does not occur?